The Vintner’s Art
I came across the material for this pen a year ago, bought it, and set it aside. I stumbled back onto it a month ago and read the material name, “Wild Grapes,” and was instantly inspired. I am blessed to live in wine country – the Finger Lakes wineries here in New York really produce some very fine wines, and it was with these in mind that I designed this pen.
The acrylic barrel material is striped with black and shades of purple to create wonderful depth. The metal work is all nickel silver – grapevine leaves around the top and bottom of the cap as well as the bottom of the body. The cap features a single cluster of grapes for a roll-stop and a single leaf on textured background for a finial medallion. Each leaf, stem and grape was made one at a time by hand – there are about forty solder joints in total. The pen is finished out with a Jowo #6 steel nib on 13mm cap threads. Overall length is 152 mm closed, 138mm open, and a total weight of 30 grams.
The design of “The Vintner’s Art” pen was developed to give a simple first impression – simple lines, understated metal work and a comfortable barrel material. It is not until you look closer that the special details and complex intricacies present themselves. These characteristics – simple presentation, complex detail, plenty of texture – all good things to look for in wine or a fountain pen.
